LA PLATA, Md. – Charles County recently created a new website to spread information about the proposed 2024 charter. Explaining the differences between the charter form of government and the code home rule is the primary purpose of the new website.
The 2024 Election is approaching quickly. This year, Charles County residents will vote on which form of government they want moving forward. The decision is split between implementing a charter government or maintaining the code home rule system.
Polls open on November 5th from 7 am to 8 pm. However, early voting for the 2024 Election will take place from October 24th through October 31st, every day from 7 am to 8 pm. Voting this year will determine the form of Charles County government, so it’s important that all those who wish to make their voice heard vote in the upcoming election.
The website explains the definition of a charter government and how it will be implemented in Charles County. The official statement reads, “A charter form of government establishes a document known as “the Charter,” which defines the basic structure and organization of the county government, including the duties, powers, rules, and procedures of its leadership and departments. Using this “rulebook,” the county outlines how it would operate and sets laws for specific local issues.”
It continues, “Under the proposed 2024 Charles County Charter, the Charles County Government would operate with a legislative branch (the County Council) and an executive branch (the County Executive).”
A comprehensive collection of documents is available on the new website to inform Charles County residents about the two forms of government and their differences.
According to the website and its documents, there are a few key differences between Charles County’s current government and the new charter proposal. The primary changes include the implementation of a County Council, the ability to establish separate police departments, and an elected County Executive who can serve as the Chief Executive Officer to provide oversight on daily Charles County operations.
The document titled “Presentation on the Different Forms of Government” explains the authority given to the County Council upon the establishment of the 2024 charter proposal. It reads, “County Council may enact, repeal or amend public local laws on matters covered by the Maryland Code. The County Council may enact ordinances & act to carry out laws enacted by the general assembly.”
The document continues to explain the costs of the new charter government and how charter governments are often similar in cost to other variations of county government. It states, “According to Jeanne E Bilanin, Ph.D., in 2019, the cost of county government depends on a county’s size, demand for services, and wealth – regardless of form of government.”
If the proposed charter government isn’t passed in the 2024 Election, then the Charles County government will continue to operate using the code home rule system. Remember to get out and vote in October and November to leave your mark on Charles County.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
